Can a doctor "see" cancer with an examination?

milliesmom · Regular Joined: 18 Mar 2008 Posts: 33

I had a biopsy done yesterday and the doctor told me while I still had my knees on the little stool that he thought I had cancer.

He said the polyp or tumor is large. I've only had a bowel change no more than ten weeks, more like six weeks. EDIT: I forgot to add that my colonoscopy is scheduled for Monday. The doctor told me he could tell me how bad it has spread then.

So my question is can he "see" cancer? I am still waiting to hear the results of the biopsy.

He did tell me that I probably will live, but I will need chemo/radiation then surgery. He said a colostomy.

Another question. Is the colostomy forever?

Thanks. I did see there is a doctor in Penn. that does surgery so you don't have to have a colostomy.

milliesmom

brainman

Hi milliesmom. I am very sorry about your current health concerns. I do hope that the doctor is wrong. However, depending on how much experience he has with colon cancer, a doctor can make a pretty good guess. It has been my experience that they are right more often than not... especially since it sounds like it is large.

As for a colostomy being permanent or temporary: It can be either. I really depends on how much of the colon needs to be removed and if it involves the rectum. Yes, there are times when a surgeon can remove a colon cancer that does not result in a person needing a colostomy at all.

Good luck with your biopsy. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
_________________
Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/

milliesmom · Regular Joined: 18 Mar 2008 Posts: 33

I was going to go to bed, but I wanted to check to see if anyone answered my question.

Yes, this doctor is a colon/rectal surgeon. I saw another doctor that same day and he told me that the surgeon couldn't tell without the biopsy.

I don't know what to think. My husband said as you did that the doctor has a lot of experience and knows of what he speaks. I'm sure he has seen a lot of rectal cancer. So far, not colon cancer, just rectal.

I think the stress is getting to me. I'm having trouble eating and when my husband ate his dinner the smell made me throw up. My son wanted to know what was going on as I haven't told my boys yet. They are grown but one has had a recent head injury and really needs me.

I'm starting to think that it is cancer. At least if I knew the stress would be over and I could begin the fight. The not knowing is terribly stressful.

I'm the kind of person who wants information. However, as a child I had a bad experience watching my step-grandmother die of cancer of the face. This was back in the 60's. She got the cancer at the turn of the century. I was only six when I saw her and her face and the smell that was with it made me actually have amnesia for a while. I was so shocked that the amnesia of my whole life started at that moment. Of course my life came back to me, but the panic of that moment made me think that cancer is a death sentence.

I think I just need to be reassured that life doesn't end with cancer.

Thanks for this forum. I was also born in a family where superstition was practiced. (Irish born in KY). We were always told to never speak of certain things or we would get it. I know that magical thinking is wrong, but when you are raised this way, it can be very frightening.

Milliesmom[/i]

Vee Smith · Moderator Joined: 12 Feb 2006 Posts: 637 Location: UK

Hi Milliesmom - be reassured. For many [particularly with an early diagnosis] cancer is not the end.

It may be a long and hard journey, and sometimes it may feel that there is no way out, but don't lose heart. We all do feel like this at times and have so far survived.

Keep in touch.

brainman

milliesmom, I should have been a little clearer in my reply. A doctor that has a lot of experience can have a pretty good guess but cannot be 100% certain without a biopsy. There are several of our members who "think" they have cancer because a doctor has seen some kind of scan but no biopsy because they cannot get to the tumor. The bottom line is (as a pathologist friend of mine says): "The issue is in the tissue"... no biopsy and a doctor can still be wrong.
_________________
Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/

milliesmom · Regular Joined: 18 Mar 2008 Posts: 33

After I told my sister what was going on last night and after prayer, I started feeling peace. That peace has lasted. I am starting to have twinges of stress, but overall, I'm in a good place now.

I wish the doctor would call.

Milliesmom

REB · Last edited by REB on Mon Mar 24, 2008 10:30 am; edited 1 time in total

Hopefully you are catching it early, if it is cancer. I didn’t catch my tumor until it blocked my colon.

Are they going to do a PET scan on you? A PET scan can ‘see’ cancerous tumors.

I had to have a temporary colostomy because my colon was so swollen on the blocked side, they couldn’t reconnect it after they cut out the tumor. It went back to normal size after a month or two, but I can’t get it reconnected until after I am done with Chemo.

Colostomy’s are not fun, but they are doable. After a while it becomes almost normal. There are self-image problems you have to overcome. My wife has been very supportive of me, which helps. Anyway, if I can do it, anyone can. If you have to have one, you can do it to. It is an adjustment and it does complicate things some, but it is something you can live with.

As far as cancer goes. From what I have learned, if you have any polyps, they will remove them during the colonoscopy and that’s it. If you have a Stage I cancer tumor, same thing. They remove it and that’s it. I am not sure if they do Chemo for stage II. Stage III, they do chemo (6 months in my case, and no radiation). Stage IV- Chemo and probably radiation. From what I have seen, if it spreads to the liver, you can have problem with infection. Chemotherapy is not fun, but it is doable.

Yours doesn’t sound too bad. It sounds like you have a tumor or some kind of blockage. It could or could not be cancerous.

When I found out mine was cancer, I thought, “That’s it. My life is over. I’m a goner.” Here I am 6 month later and (even thou Chemo makes me feel bad) I am healthier than I was before the tumor was removed. I have a lot more strength and energy too. Time will tell if I get cancer again, but at least I, and my doctor, will be keeping an eye out for it so it doesn’t sneak up on me again.

Prayers for you. I hope yours is nothing, but if it is, stay positive and strong.
_________________
10/01/07 - Removal of Stage III Colon Cancer Tumor and Temporary Colostomy
Started Chemotherapy 11-07-07 - FOLFOX regimen - 5-FU (5 Flurouracil) and leucovorin, oxaliplatin. Also Avastin
Last Chemo treatment 04-09-08, Colostomy Reversal 04-28-08 Age:41

Montenegrita · Regular Joined: 17 Nov 2007 Posts: 36

I was missdiagnosed back in Canada - after "thorough" examination (no colonoscopy) I was diagnosed with anal fissure and chemorroids - for 5 months doctor was treating anal fissure with no results. I was suspicious from the begining (no pain, bleeding was persistant, every day) but he did not respond to my concerns. Then I moved to States and on exam was told that there is a about 2 cm large polyp and that we have to do colonoscopy with biopsy. Colonoscopy was very easy on me, didn't have any problems at all. Right after the colonoscopy I was told I had a cancer which was later confirmed by biopsy. On colonoscopy they can say pretty much that it is cancer as per color and look of the tissue (is distinctive). Then they did PET and CAT scan and as one lymph node was detected, they put me in stage III. Now I am on chemo (Folfox - Oxaliplatin, 5-FU, lucovorin) which is not that bad at all. So far... Now, if they diagnose cancer, please do not panic! Instead educate yourself as much as you can. Be aware that some side effects such as neuropathies (cold sensitivity and tinglining from Oxaliplatin) will appear right away - starting in your fingers and they can get really bad if you do not watch them carefully (the moment tingling starts on warm you have to stop chemo!). My doctor did not mention glutamine (aminoacid) neither supplements (Ca and Mg) as of course, "there is no scientific data for that!" However, my naturopathic doctor that works for the same Cancer Center put me right away on glutamine (two table spoons 2x a day) and Ca and Mg (do not go for more then on tablet per day as it may interfere with chemo). You should start with these things BEFORE chemo starts! And after 6 months, Thanks God, my neuropathies and not bad at all! They are at the same level as at the beggining! They last for several days and by the next treatment they go away. Hopefully, it will stay like that. I am just on the half way. Now, my doctor has extremly poor communications skills and is very "nervous" type. I like to ask questions and am writing down every detail he tells me and am carefully recording all possible side effects from treatment to treatment. You should be aware of NOT taking too many other then necessary medications during chemo as you do not want to give too much to your liver. Well, when I asked doctor one question regarding the medication he put me on, he got really mad at me and even suggested that I should consider stopping the chemo!!! As "chemo is hard on you". And it is not, he knows that well, last time I went for treatment, he was happy that chemo is not hard on me!!! I guess he doesn't like my questions and would rather have a patient who doesn't open his mouth at all, who just follow what he says with no thinking at all. Now regarding supersticion - yes, I have experienced the law of attraction this time too. I "invited" cancer with my sayings and negative thoughts. More then year ago, out of nothinhg, just being dissapointed in world and people around me, I started repeating that "I am sick of this world of cruelty, pedofiles, wars etc and that if I have to leave this planet for ever, I would not regret it at all". Now I am asking God for forgivness and am trying to turn the wheels back! Please be carefull with what you think and what you say! Good luck!

milliesmom · Regular Joined: 18 Mar 2008 Posts: 33

I'm sorry that I haven't been back to update but have so busy with tests, doctor's, driving, then a little vacation.

They did the colonoscopy and found a large 8-12 cm tumor that was cancer. It was of the invasive type.

I had a PET scan and last week a CT scan and they found a mass outside and next to the rectum. My oncologist, (2nd oncologist) thinks it is cancer, but the radiologist thinks it's an abscess.

So tomorrow I am having a CT guided biopsy and tomorrow afternoon I am having a port but in for chemo which will start next Monday. If it is an abscess, the second surgery might not take place, but we are hoping it does.

I will start six weeks of a clinical trial of 5FU and Oxaliplatin. I had a choice of four treatment types and each were standard treatments.

They had staged it IIB but the CT scan showed two lymph nodes showing up but they don't know if they are just inflamed or are cancer.

I should also start radiation next Monday too. I will do 30 treatments then four weeks off then surgery. My new surgeon thinks I can have a temp. colostomy as the tumor is 10cm above the anus.

My oncologist told me that I am curable since there is nothing above the 10cm point. The radiation oncologist is thinking that it will shrink enough so that things will become easier for me with bm's and with the surgery.

I was reluctant to come back here, because there was some bad news on these forums, but now I'm strong enough to talk more. I still have the peace I found just a few days after first hearing about the possibility of cancer and am feeling confident that everything will turn out okay. I don't feel even a hint of anything bad going on.

I will try to keep back in contact with everyone. I will probably be busy for the next few days.

One question I do have, and it might seen silly, but does my house need to be really clean for me to live in it while having chemo? I remember my brother being in the hospital and I couldn't bring in flowers to his room because of the dirt so it just made me wonder about regular dust and dog hair and that kind of thing.

Thanks,
Milliesmom

Montenegrita · Regular Joined: 17 Nov 2007 Posts: 36

I replied with long message and guess what - it dissapeared from some reason! Ok, I have to be shorter now as it is late... I didn't like coming to forums either... then I got the strengh and jumped it. If I see "negative" relpies no matter how true they may be, I avoid them. Anyways, I hope colonoscopy will give good results. Keep beleiving in positive outcome no matter what! When it comes to the neatness of the house, I do not overdo it (still keep it reasonably clean), plus we live with two cats, one is very affectionate but I wash my hands and face immediatelly if I let him come too close. If your immune system was strong before all this, I beleive you will handle wverything much easier. Please find a naturopathis doctor that works with your cancer institute or department. They saved my nervs with their treatment (Glutamine, Ca, Mg, vitamins, Omea 3-acids...). Oxaliplatin is very toxic for peripheral nervs!
God Bless!

REB

I am sorry it turned out to be cancer. I was hoping it wouldn't be. It sounds like they caught it at stage II, so that is good.

As for a clean house. We try to keep a clean house, but with 2 young kids, 2 dogs, and 3 cats, it is a battle. I did okay with all that around. I wouldn't worry about it too much. Stay away from sick people and make sure you clean any cuts real good.

The chemo and colostomy are not much fun, but you can do it. Most of the time neither will bother you much, but there will be times they do. Fortunately neither will be permanent for you. Just stay strong and positive.

You are going to be okay.
_________________
10/01/07 - Removal of Stage III Colon Cancer Tumor and Temporary Colostomy
Started Chemotherapy 11-07-07 - FOLFOX regimen - 5-FU (5 Flurouracil) and leucovorin, oxaliplatin. Also Avastin
Last Chemo treatment 04-09-08, Colostomy Reversal 04-28-08 Age:41

milliesmom · Regular Joined: 18 Mar 2008 Posts: 33

Hi,
I thought I would get back to you all after my two surgeries today. I'm finally awake enough to make some kind of sense. I've been asleep on my recliner since I got home at about three-thirty pm. It is now after 9pm.

The first biopsy they did today was on a mass that was next to my rectum but outside the rectum. One doctor thought it was cancer that grew outside the rectum, and the other doctor thought it was an abscess. Well, they did the biopsy while I layed on my belly. They put me in and out of the CT scanner then after they gave me the drugs, I only woke up once to see the doctor doing the biopsy.

When I woke up they told me that they had a pathologist in the room to look at the biopsy and he didn't know what it was. He said it wasn't cancer, so that is good news. He said it was mucus, yellow and bloody. They will know more in about four days.

Then I went in to have the port. In that surgery I also woke up and got scared when I saw the paper over my face, they they lifted it up until I went back to sleep. I'm still very sore now and am freezing even though the house temp. says 70F. I hope I'm not getting an infection. I don't have a temp. myself.

I want to tell you thank you all for answering my last update. I'm not clear headed enough right now to reply, but just wanted to give you another update.

What in the world could this "mass" be if it isn't cancer, and they can't find infection in it? When I looked at where they put the bandage, it is in the same stop where I use lidocaine patches for pain in the same area. The pain isn't always there, only about three days a week.

Thanks,
Milliesmom

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